Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 1 of 27 Page ID #:111 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 NICOLA T. HANNA United States Attorney BRANDON D. FOX Assistant United States Attorney Chief, Criminal Division MACK E. JENKINS (Cal. Bar No.242101) VERONICA DRAGALIN (Cal. Bar No. 281370) MELISSA MILLS (Cal. Bar No. 248529) Assistant United States Attorney Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section 1500 United States Courthouse 312 North Spring Street Los Angeles, California 90012 Telephone: (213) 894-2091 Facsimile: (213) 894-2927 Email: mack.jenkins@usdoj.gov veronica.dragalin@usdoj.gov melissa.mills@usdoj.gov 10 11 Attorneys for Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 12 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 13 FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 14 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 15 Plaintiff, 16 17 No. CR 20-CR-35-JFW PLEA AGREEMENT FOR DEFENDANT MITCHELL ENGLANDER v. MITCHELL ENGLANDER, 18 Defendant. 19 20 1. This constitutes the plea agreement between MITCHELL 21 ENGLANDER (“defendant”) and the United States Attorney’s Office for 22 the Central District of California (the “USAO”) in the above- 23 captioned case. 24 bind any other federal, state, local, or foreign prosecuting, 25 enforcement, administrative, or regulatory authorities. 26 27 28 This agreement is limited to the USAO and cannot DEFENDANT’S OBLIGATIONS 2. Defendant agrees to: Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 2 of 27 Page ID #:112 1 a. At the earliest opportunity requested by the USAO and 2 provided by the Court, appear and plead guilty to count one of the 3 indictment in United States v. Mitchell Englander, No. 20-CR-35-JFW, 4 which charges defendant with a scheme to falsify material facts, in 5 violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(1). 6 7 Not contest the Factual Basis agreed to in this c. Abide by all agreements regarding sentencing contained agreement. 8 9 b. in this agreement. 10 d. Appear for all court appearances, surrender as ordered 11 for service of sentence, obey all conditions of any bond, and obey 12 any other ongoing court order in this matter. 13 e. Not commit any crime; however, offenses that would be 14 excluded for sentencing purposes under United States Sentencing 15 Guidelines (“U.S.S.G.” or “Sentencing Guidelines”) § 4A1.2(c) are not 16 within the scope of this agreement. 17 18 f. Be truthful at all times with the United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office and the Court. 19 g. Pay the applicable special assessment at or before the 20 time of sentencing unless defendant has demonstrated a lack of 21 ability to pay such assessments. 22 23 THE USAO’S OBLIGATIONS 3. 24 25 26 27 The USAO agrees to: a. Not contest the Factual Basis agreed to in this b. Abide by all agreements regarding sentencing contained agreement. in this agreement. 28 2 Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 3 of 27 Page ID #:113 1 c. At the time of sentencing, move to dismiss the 2 remaining counts of the indictment as against defendant. 3 agrees, however, that at the time of sentencing the Court may 4 consider any dismissed charges in determining the applicable 5 Sentencing Guidelines range, the propriety and extent of any 6 departure from that range, and the sentence to be imposed. 7 d. Defendant At the time of sentencing, provided that defendant 8 demonstrates an acceptance of responsibility for the offense up to 9 and including the time of sentencing, recommend a two-level reduction 10 in the applicable Sentencing Guidelines offense level, pursuant to 11 U.S.S.G. § 3E1.1, and recommend and, if necessary, move for an 12 additional one-level reduction if available under that section. 13 14 e. imprisonment. 15 16 Not seek a sentence of imprisonment above 36 months of NATURE OF THE OFFENSE 4. Defendant understands that for defendant to be guilty of 17 the crime charged in count one, that is, a scheme to falsify material 18 facts, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 19 1001(a)(1), the following must be true: (1) defendant had a duty to 20 disclose material information; (2) defendant falsified, concealed, or 21 covered up such a fact by trick, scheme, or fraud; (3) the falsified, 22 concealed, or covered up fact was material; (4) the falsification 23 and/or concealment was knowing and willful; and (5) the material fact 24 was within the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch. 25 26 PENALTIES 5. Defendant understands that the statutory maximum sentence 27 that the Court can impose for a violation of Title 18, United States 28 Code, Section 1001, is: 5 years of imprisonment; a 3-year period of 3 Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 4 of 27 Page ID #:114 1 supervised release; a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or 2 gross loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest; and a 3 mandatory special assessment of $100. 4 6. Defendant understands that supervised release is a period 5 of time following imprisonment during which defendant will be subject 6 to various restrictions and requirements. 7 if defendant violates one or more of the conditions of any supervised 8 release imposed, defendant may be returned to prison for all or part 9 of the term of supervised release authorized by statute for the Defendant understands that 10 offense that resulted in the term of supervised release, which could 11 result in defendant serving a total term of imprisonment greater than 12 the statutory maximum stated above. 13 7. Defendant understands that, by pleading guilty, defendant 14 may be giving up valuable government benefits and valuable civic 15 rights, such as the right to vote, the right to possess a firearm, 16 the right to hold office, and the right to serve on a jury. 17 Defendant understands that he is pleading guilty to a felony and that 18 it is a federal crime for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or 19 ammunition. 20 may also subject defendant to various other collateral consequences, 21 including but not limited to revocation of probation, parole, or 22 supervised release in another case and suspension or revocation of a 23 professional license. 24 collateral consequences will not serve as grounds to withdraw 25 defendant’s guilty plea. 26 27 28 Defendant understands that the conviction in this case Defendant understands that unanticipated FACTUAL BASIS 8. Defendant admits that defendant is, in fact, guilty of the offense to which defendant is agreeing to plead guilty. 4 Defendant Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 5 of 27 Page ID #:115 1 and the USAO agree to the statement of facts set forth in Attachment 2 A and agree that this statement of facts is sufficient to support a 3 plea of guilty to the charge described in this agreement and to 4 establish the Sentencing Guidelines factors set forth in paragraph 10 5 below but is not meant to be a complete recitation of all facts 6 relevant to the underlying criminal conduct or all facts known to 7 either party that relate to that conduct. 8 9 SENTENCING FACTORS 9. Defendant understands that in determining defendant’s 10 sentence the Court is required to calculate the applicable Sentencing 11 Guidelines range and to consider that range, possible departures 12 under the Sentencing Guidelines, and the other sentencing factors set 13 forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). 14 Sentencing Guidelines are advisory only, that defendant cannot have 15 any expectation of receiving a sentence within the calculated 16 Sentencing Guidelines range, and that after considering the 17 Sentencing Guidelines and the other § 3553(a) factors, the Court will 18 be free to exercise its discretion to impose any sentence it finds 19 appropriate up to the maximum set by statute for the crime of 20 conviction. 21 10. Defendant understands that the Except as set forth in paragraph 3(d) and 3(e) above, 22 defendant and the USAO have no agreement as to the appropriate 23 sentence or the applicable Sentencing Guidelines factors. 24 set forth in paragraph 3(d) and 3(e), both parties reserve the right 25 to argue for any criminal history score and category, base offense 26 level, specific offense characteristics, adjustments, departures, and 27 variances. 28 5 Except as Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 6 of 27 Page ID #:116 1 11. Consistent with paragraph 3, defendant and the USAO reserve 2 the right to argue for a sentence outside the sentencing range 3 established by the Sentencing Guidelines based on the factors set 4 forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(6), and (a)(7). 5 Specifically, defendant reserves the right to argue for a sentence of 6 probation. 7 8 9 WAIVER OF CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS 12. Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, defendant gives up the following rights: 10 a. The right to persist in a plea of not guilty. 11 b. The right to a speedy and public trial by jury. 12 c. The right to be represented by counsel –- and if 13 necessary have the Court appoint counsel -- at trial. 14 understands, however, that, defendant retains the right to be 15 represented by counsel –- and if necessary have the Court appoint 16 counsel –- at every other stage of the proceeding. 17 d. Defendant The right to be presumed innocent and to have the 18 burden of proof placed on the government to prove defendant guilty 19 beyond a reasonable doubt. 20 21 22 e. The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against defendant. f. The right to testify and to present evidence in 23 opposition to the charges, including the right to compel the 24 attendance of witnesses to testify. 25 g. The right not to be compelled to testify, and, if 26 defendant chose not to testify or present evidence, to have that 27 choice not be used against defendant. 28 6 Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 7 of 27 Page ID #:117 1 h. Any and all rights to pursue any affirmative defenses, 2 Fourth Amendment or Fifth Amendment claims, and other pretrial 3 motions that have been filed or could be filed. 4 5 WAIVER OF APPEAL OF CONVICTION 13. Defendant understands that, with the exception of an appeal 6 based on a claim that defendant’s guilty plea was involuntary, by 7 pleading guilty defendant is waiving and giving up any right to 8 appeal defendant’s conviction on the offense to which defendant is 9 pleading guilty. Defendant understands that this waiver includes, 10 but is not limited to, arguments that the statute to which defendant 11 is pleading guilty is unconstitutional, and any and all claims that 12 the statement of facts provided herein is insufficient to support 13 defendant’s plea of guilty. 14 15 LIMITED MUTUAL WAIVER OF APPEAL OF SENTENCE 14. Defendant agrees that, provided the Court imposes a total 16 term of imprisonment on all counts of conviction of no more than 36 17 months of imprisonment, defendant gives up the right to appeal all of 18 the following: (a) the procedures and calculations used to determine 19 and impose any portion of the sentence; (b) the term of imprisonment 20 imposed by the Court; (c) the fine imposed by the Court, provided it 21 is within the statutory maximum; (d) to the extent permitted by law, 22 the constitutionality or legality of defendant’s sentence, provided 23 it is within the statutory maximum; (e) the term of probation or 24 supervised release imposed by the Court, provided it is within the 25 statutory maximum; and (f) any of the following conditions of 26 probation or supervised release imposed by the Court: the conditions 27 set forth in General Order 18-10 of this Court; the drug testing 28 conditions mandated by 18 U.S.C. §§ 3563(a)(5) and 3583(d). 7 Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 8 of 27 Page ID #:118 1 15. The USAO agrees that, provided all portions of the sentence 2 are at or below the statutory maximum specified above and the Court 3 imposes a term of imprisonment within or above the range 4 corresponding to an offense level of 15 and the criminal history 5 category calculated by the Court, the USAO gives up its right to 6 appeal any portion of the sentence. 7 8 9 RESULT OF WITHDRAWAL OF GUILTY PLEA 16. Defendant agrees that if, after entering a guilty plea pursuant to this agreement, defendant seeks to withdraw and succeeds 10 in withdrawing defendant’s guilty plea on any basis other than a 11 claim and finding that entry into this plea agreement was 12 involuntary, then (a) the USAO will be relieved of all of its 13 obligations under this agreement; and (b) should the USAO choose to 14 pursue any charge that was either dismissed or not filed as a result 15 of this agreement, then (i) any applicable statute of limitations 16 will be tolled between the date of defendant’s signing of this 17 agreement and the filing commencing any such action; and 18 (ii) defendant waives and gives up all defenses based on the statute 19 of limitations, any claim of pre-indictment delay, or any speedy 20 trial claim with respect to any such action, except to the extent 21 that such defenses existed as of the date of defendant’s signing this 22 agreement. 23 24 RESULT OF VACATUR, REVERSAL OR SET-ASIDE 17. Defendant agrees that if the count of conviction is 25 vacated, reversed, or set aside, both the USAO and defendant will be 26 released from all their obligations under this agreement. 27 28 8 Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 9 of 27 Page ID #:119 1 EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT 2 18. This agreement is effective upon signature and execution of 3 all required certifications by defendant, defendant’s counsel, and an 4 Assistant United States Attorney. 5 BREACH OF AGREEMENT 6 19. Defendant agrees that if defendant, at any time after the 7 signature of this agreement and execution of all required 8 certifications by defendant, defendant’s counsel, and an Assistant 9 United States Attorney, knowingly violates or fails to perform any of 10 defendant’s obligations under this agreement (“a breach”), the USAO 11 may declare this agreement breached. 12 are material, a single breach of this agreement is sufficient for the 13 USAO to declare a breach, and defendant shall not be deemed to have 14 cured a breach without the express agreement of the USAO in writing. 15 If the USAO declares this agreement breached, and the Court finds 16 such a breach to have occurred, then: (a) if defendant has previously 17 entered a guilty plea pursuant to this agreement, defendant will not 18 be able to withdraw the guilty plea, and (b) the USAO will be 19 relieved of all its obligations under this agreement. 20 20. All of defendant’s obligations Following the Court’s finding of a knowing breach of this 21 agreement by defendant, should the USAO choose to pursue any charge 22 that was either dismissed or not filed as a result of this agreement, 23 then: 24 a. Defendant agrees that any applicable statute of 25 limitations is tolled between the date of defendant’s signing of this 26 agreement and the filing commencing any such action. 27 28 b. Defendant waives and gives up all defenses based on the statute of limitations, any claim of pre-indictment delay, or any 9 Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 10 of 27 Page ID #:120 1 speedy trial claim with respect to any such action, except to the 2 extent that such defenses existed as of the date of defendant’s 3 signing this agreement. 4 c. Defendant agrees that: (i) any statements made by 5 defendant, under oath, at the guilty plea hearing (if such a hearing 6 occurred prior to the breach); (ii) the agreed to factual basis 7 statement in this agreement; and (iii) any evidence derived from such 8 statements, shall be admissible against defendant in any such action 9 against defendant, and defendant waives and gives up any claim under 10 the United States Constitution, any statute, Rule 410 of the Federal 11 Rules of Evidence, Rule 11(f) of the Federal Rules of Criminal 12 Procedure, or any other federal rule, that the statements or any 13 evidence derived from the statements should be suppressed or are 14 inadmissible. 15 COURT AND UNITED STATES PROBATION AND PRETRIAL SERVICES 16 OFFICE NOT PARTIES 17 21. Defendant understands that the Court and the United States 18 Probation and Pretrial Services Office are not parties to this 19 agreement and need not accept any of the USAO’s sentencing 20 recommendations or the parties’ agreements to facts or sentencing 21 factors. 22 22. Defendant understands that both defendant and the USAO are 23 free to: (a) supplement the facts by supplying relevant information 24 to the United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office and the 25 Court, (b) correct any and all factual misstatements relating to the 26 Court’s Sentencing Guidelines calculations and determination of 27 sentence, and (c) argue on appeal and collateral review that the 28 Court’s Sentencing Guidelines calculations and the sentence it 10 Case 2:20-cr-00035-JFW Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 11 of 27 Page ID #:121 1 chooses to impose are not error, although each party agrees to 2 maintain its view that the calculations in paragraph 10 are 3 consistent with the facts of this case. 4 the USAO and defendant to submit full and complete factual 5 information to the United States Probation and Pretrial Services 6 Office and the Court, even if that factual information may be viewed 7 as inconsistent with the Factual Basis agreed to in this agreement. 8 9 23. This paragraph permits both Defendant understands that even if the Court ignores any sentencing recommendation, finds facts or reaches conclusions 10 different from those agreed to, and/or imposes any sentence up to the 11 maximum established by statute, defendant cannot, for that reason, 12 withdraw defendant’s guilty plea, and defendant will remain bound to 13 fulfill all defendant’s obligations under this agreement. 14 understands that no one –- not the prosecutor, defendant’s attorney, 15 or the Court –- can make a binding prediction or promise regarding 16 the sentence defendant will receive, except that it will be within 17 the statutory maximum. 18 Defendant NO ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS 19 24. Defendant understands that, except as set forth herein, 20 there are no promises, understandings, or agreements between the USAO 21 and defendant or defendant’s attorney, and that no additional 22 promise, understanding, or agreement may be entered into unless in a 23 writing signed by all parties or on the record in court. 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 // 28 // 11 PLEA AGREEMENT PART OF Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 12 of 27 Page ID #:122 THE GUILTY PLEA HEARING 25. AGREED AND ACCEPTED UNITED STATES OFFICE FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA NICOLA T. HANNA United States Attorney The parties agree that this agreement will be considered part of the record of defendant's guilty plea hearing as if the entire agreement had been read into the record of the proceeding. @3le Date I VER ICA DR ALIN ME SSA MI As istant 'ited States Attorneys dz;??211? March 25, 2020 MITCHEUL ENG DER Date Defendant Mar25,2020 JANET LEVINE Date Attorney for Defendant MITCHELL ENGLANDER 12 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 13 of 27 Page ID #:123 CERTIFICATION OF DEFENDANT I have read this agreement in its entirety. I have had enough time to review and consider this agreement, and I have carefully and thoroughly discussed every part of it with my attorney.' I understand the terms of this agreement, and I voluntarily agree to those terms. I have discussed the evidence with my attorney, and my attorney has advised me of my rights, of possible pretrial motions that might be filed, of possible defenses that might be asserted either prior to or at trial, of the sentencing factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. 3553(a], of relevant Sentencing Guidelines provisions, and of the consequences of entering into this agreement.. No promises, inducements, or representations of any kind have been made to me other than those contained in this agreement. No one has threatened or forced me in any way to enter into this agreement. I am satisfied with the representation of my attorney in this matter, and I am pleading guilty because I am guilty of the charge and wish to take advantage of the promises set forth in this agreement, and not for any other reason. MM March 25, 2020 MITCHELL meanness Date Defendant l3 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 14 of 27 Page ID #:124 CERTIFICATION OF ATTORNEY I am MITCHELL attorney. I have carefully and thoroughly discussed every part of this agreement with my client. Further, I have fully advised my client of his rights, of possible pretrial motions that might be filed, of possible defenses that might be asserted either prior to or at trial, of the sentencing factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. 3553(a), of relevant Sentencing Guidelines provisions, and of the consequences of entering into this agreement. To my knowledge: no promises, inducements, or representations of any kind have been made to my client other than those contained in this agreement; no one has threatened or forced my client in any way to enter into this agreement; my client's decision to enter into this agreement is an informed and voluntary one; and the factual basis set forth in this agreement is sufficient to support my client's entry of a guilty plea pursuant to this agreement. Jill's ?unknowilonnl Mar 25, 2020 JANET LEVINE Date Attorney for Defendant MITCHELL ENGLANDER 14 LON Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 15 of 27 Page ID #:125 A FACTUAL BASIS 1. The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Los Angeles and the United States Attorney?s Office for the Central District of California were conducting a federal criminal investigation into public corruption throughout the City of Los Angeles (the ?City?} related to multiple suspected ?pay?to?play? schemes (the ?Federal Investigation?). The Federal Investigation involved multiple City officials, developers, investors, consultants, lobbyists, and other close associates working in furtherance of the potentially illegal schemes. 2. Defendant MITCHELL ENGLANDER was the councilmember for Council District 12 in the San Fernando Valley from 2011 until'he resigned on December 31, 2018 with almost two years remaining on his ?extended? term. Defendant ENGLANDER served as the Council President Pro?Tempore and was on the Planning and Land Use Management Committee until his resignation from City Council in December 2018. While a councilmember, defendant ENGLANDER also served on other various City committees, including as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, member of the Budget and Finance Committee, the Personnel and Animal Welfare Committee, the Executive Employee Relations Committee, the ad?hoc Police Reform Committee, and Board of Referred Powers. Defendant ENGLANDER was also a reserve member of the Los Angeles Police Department. June 2017 Las VEgas Trip 3. On June 1, 2017, defendant ENGLANDER traveled to Las Vegas with, among others, Businessperson A, City Staffer A, City Staffer B, Lobbyist A, and Developer A (the ?June 2017 Las Vegas trip?). DEFT. 1 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 16 of 27 Page ID #:126 Businessperson A provided defendant ENGLANDER, City Staffer A, City Staffer B, and others with hotel rooms at a resort and casino {the ?Resort and Casino"). Specifically, Businessperson A provided them use of Businessperson A's ?comps,? which were hotel?provided amenities ordinarily limited to VIP customers who, like Businessperson A, were typically provided such status because of the amount of money that customer had provided the hotel in the past and in order to incentivize further business. Defendant ENGLANDER was provided transportation from the Las Vegas airport to the Resort and Casino. 4. On June 1, 2017, defendant ENGLANDER accepted an envelope containing $10,000 in cash from Businessperson A in the Resort and Casino?s bathroom. That same day, Businessperson A, in front of the group, provided defendant ENGLANDER and the rest of the group casino chips with which to gamble. Businessperson A provided defendant ENGLANDER approximately $1,000 in casino chips. After defendant ENGLANDER finished gambling, he, in front of the group, returned the casino chips to Businessperson A. Later that evening, Businessperson A provided dinner and drinks for defendant ENGLANDER, City Staffer A, City Staffer E, Lobbyist A, Developer A, and others at a restaurant inside the Resort and Casino. Businessperson A was charged approximately $2,481 for the dinner and drinks for the group. Thereafter, defendant ENGLANDER, Susinessperson A, City Staffer A, City Staffer B, Lobbyist A, and Developer A took a limousine provided by the Resort and Casino to a at another hotel {the At the Businessperson A paid approximately $24,000 for bottle service and alcohol for defendant ENGLANDER, Businessperson A, City Staffer A, City Staffer B, Lobbyist A, DEFT. 2 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 17 of 27 Page ID #:127 Developer A, and others at the Developer A paid another approximately $10,000 for bottle service and alcohol for the group and others at the 5. After the group returned to the Resort and Casino in the early morning of June 2, 20l7, Businessperson A told defendant ENGLANDER that Businessperson A was going to order female escorts for the group to come to their hotel. When two escorts arrived to the Resort and Casino, Businessperson A paid for their services and sometime later instructed one of the escorts to go to defendant hotel room to provide him with services. Businessperson A was unaware if defendant ENGLANDER accepted those services. Palm.Springs Event and Lunch 6. From on or about June 10 through June 12, 2017, defendant ENGLANDER attended a golf tournament at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, California (the ?Palm Springs event"). On or about June 12, 2017, at the Palm Springs event, defendant ENGLANDER accepted an envelope containing $5,000 in cash from Businessperson A in a casino bathroom. 7. On June 19, 2017, at Businessperson A's request, approximately one week after the Palm Springs event, defendant ENGLANDER arranged for Businessperson A, Developer B, and defendant ENGLANDER to have lunch so that Businessperson A could present his company and product to Developer B. After-the lunch on June 19, 2017, Developer sent defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A an email thanking Businessperson A for lunch and seeking to set up a further meeting and ?presentation" from Businessperson A. Lb) DEFT. Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 18 of 27 Page ID #:128 Defendant Scheme 8. From in or about August 2017, to on or about December 31, 2018, in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the government of the United States, namely, the USAD and FBI, defendant ENGLANDER knowingly and willfully falsified, concealed, and covered up by trick, scheme, and device material facts, namely that: defendant ENGLANDER had accepted from Businessperson A items of value, such as cash payments, hotel rooms, luxury outings, and expensive meals and had been offered escort services; defendant ENGLANDER had attempted to coordinate statements he made to the FBI and USAO with Businessperson and defendant ENGLANDER had counseled Businessperson A how to lie to and mislead the FBI and USAO. Defendant ENGLANDER carried out the scheme, in substance, in the following manner: 9. After learning about the Federal Investigation, in or around August 2017, defendant ENGLANDER privately sent an message to Businessperson A via Confide. Defendant ENGLANDER stated in his message that he wanted to reimburse Businessperson A for portions of the June 2017 Las Vegas trip. 10. After the FBI contacted defendant ENGLANDER on or about September 1, 201?, to seek a voluntary interview with him_regarding an ongoing investigation, defendant ENGLANDER sent a check payable to Businessperson A to reimburse him for certain expenses related to their Las Vegas trip. Defendant ENGLANDER dated the check August 4, 2017, before the FBI contacted defendant ENGLANDER, but sent the check after the FBI requested an interview with defendant ENGLANDER. 11. On October 4, 201?, defendant ENGLANDER met Businessperson A for lunch in Downtown Los Angeles. During the lunch, defendant DEFT. 4 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 19 of 27 Page ID #:129 ENGLANDER and Businessperson A discussed the June 2017 Las Vegas trip and the Federal Investigation, including that Businessperson A had been interviewed and their understanding that City Staffer A and City Staffer also had been interviewed by the FBI. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A that he had an upcoming interview with the he further stated that City Staffer told defendant ENGLANDER to tell the FBI that defendant ENGLANDER had received casino chips from Businessperson A, but that defendant ENGLANDER had returned those chips after gambling. Defendant ENGLANDER agreed to call Businessperson A after defendant interview with the FBI. 12. On October 19, 201?, defendant ENGLANDER, with defense counsel present, was interviewed by the FBI and USAO regarding the Federal Investigation, including the 201? Las Vegas trip and his interactions with Businessperson A (the ?first interview"). .During this interview, after being advised it was a crime to lie to the federal government, defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated, on more than one occasion, that, other than his lawyers and his wife, defendant ENGLANDER had not informed anyone, including Businessperson A, about his upcoming interview with the FBI. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, on October 4, 2017, defendant ENGLANDER had repeatedly informed Businessperson A about his upcoming interview with the FBI. 13. On January 31, 2018, Businessperson A contacted defendant ENGLANDER via Confide. Specifically, Businessperson A wrote: ?Hi Councilman, I got invite for your Feb/06th event, looking forward to seeing you, btw, my attorney got call from FBI asking to follow up about the check." Defendant ENGLANDER responded: ?Fantastic. See you then. I got a call too. Very stupid. They are waiting [sic] their time with this." 1 DEFT. 5 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 20 of 27 Page ID #:130 14. On January 31, 2018 and February 1, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A discussed the Federal Investigation via Confide. During this exchange, defendant ENGLANDER asked: ?What exactly are they asking?" After Businessperson A stated that the FBI was interested in the Las Vegas reimbursement checks, Businessperson A wrote: ?If we talk about FBI stuff should [be] in person.? Defendant ENGLANDER responded: ?That's why I suggested a different phone number." Defendant ENGLANDER then provided a different phone number, and Businessperson A agreed to call that new phone number later that evening. 15. On February 1, 2018, Businessperson A left a voicemail message for defendant ENGLANDER on the new phone number defendant ENGLANDER had provided to Businessperson A. 16. Between February 2 and February 5, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A exchanged messages via Confide. During this exchange, they agreed to discuss the Federal Investigation at defendant fundraiser on February 6, 2018. 17. During the fundraiser on February 6, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A had a private conversation during which they discussed the Federal Investigation. During this conversation: a. Defendant ENGLANDEB told Businessperson A to falsely inform the FBI that defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A did not talk about their respective FBI interviews. Specifically, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A: ?you and I have never had a conversation. . . . They are going to ask." DEFT. 6 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 21 of 27 Page ID #:131 b. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A how to answer certain questions from the FBI, including: ?you should just say don't know.'" c. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A to falsely state that defendant ENGLANDER had repeatedly attempted to reimburse Businessperson A for defendant ENGLANDER's hotel room and dinner in Las Vegas. d. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A not to tell the FBI anything about Businessperson A providing escort services or ?massage ladies" to defendant ENGLANDER. Specifically, regarding the ?massage lady,? defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A: ?Donft say it. . . . Don?t mention. . . . No, no, don?t mention it.? e. Defendant ENGLANDER agreed to meet Businessperson A after defendant FBI interview to discuss the interview. 18. On February 7, 2018, at approximately 8:24 a.m. and 10:10 prior to defendant interview with the FBI that day, defendant ENGLANDER attempted to call Businessperson A via WhatsApp, an end?to-end messaging service that can also be used for phone calls. In response, Businessperson A sent a message via WhatsApp to defendant ENGLANDER, writing: ?sorry miss your call, but may not good ideal [sic] talk on the phone.? Defendant ENGLANDER responded: ?Just a quick question." Businessperson A then called defendant ENGLANDER via WhatsApp. During the conversation, defendant ENGLANDER asked Businessperson A whether Businessperson A had told the FBI about the use of escorts during the June 2017 Las Vegas trip. Businessperson A stated that he had not, to which defendant ENGLANDER responded: what I wanted to confirm. . . . I appreciate it.? 3? DEFT. INITIA age/?1? 7 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 22 of 27 Page ID #:132 19. On February 7, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER, with counsel present, was interviewed by the FBI and the USAO regarding the Federal Investigation, including the June 2017 Las Vegas trip and interactions with Businessperson A (the ?second interview"). During the interview, after being advised it was a crime to lie to the federal government, defendant ENGLANDER made the following false statements: a. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated, on more than one occasion, that he was unaware that Businessperson A intended to attend defendant fundraiser the prior night. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, on January 31, 2018 and February 5, 2018, via Confide conversations, defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A had confirmed that Businessperson A would attend the fundraiser. b. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that he and Businessperson A did not discuss the FBI, the Federal Investigation, or defendant upcoming FBI interview during the fundraiser. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, the day prior to defendant sedond interview, he and Businessperson A had discussed the FBI, the Federal Investigation, and defendant second interview, including what questions to expect, what to say, and what not to say during upcoming FBI interviews. Moreover, immediately prior to defendant interview that day, defendant ENGLANDER reached out to Businessperson A and spoke about the FBI and USAO interviews. c. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that he had never been told the amount of money Businessperson A paid at the for the bottle service and alcohol for the group during their June 201? Las Vegas trip. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, the day DEFT. 8 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 23 of 27 Page ID #:133 prior to defendant second interview, Businessperson A told defendant ENGLANDER that he had spent between approximately $20,000 and $25,000 at the for the group. d. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that Businessperson A did not provide defendant ENGLANDER benefits other than a hotel room, dinner, and beverage service during their June 2017 Las Vegas trip. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, Businessperson A did offer defendant ENGLANDER the services of a female escort or ?massage lady" during their Las Vegas trip and, the day prior to defendant ENGLANDER's second interview, the two had repeatedly discussed that topic. Moreover, immediately prior to defendant interview that day, defendant reached out to Businessperson A and they spoke about escorts. e. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that he did not tell anyone, including Businessperson a, what to say to the FBI. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, the day prior to defendant second interview, he told Businessperson A, what questions to expect, what to say, and what not to say during upcoming FBI interviews. f. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that, other than his lawyers and his wife, he had not informed anyone about his second interview. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, on February 6, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER, on more than one occasion, informed Businessperson A about defendant second interview. g. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that he had no plans to discuss his second interview with anyone after it occurred. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, the day prior to defendant ENGLANDER's second interview, he planned to meet with Businessperson DEFT. INITIALW 9 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 24 of 27 Page ID #:134 A to discuss defendant ENGLANDER's second interview after it occurred. 20. From February 8 to February 12, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A exchanged messages via Confide. Defendant ENGLANDER arranged for the two to meet on February 12, 2018. On February 12, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER called Businessperson A to change the time and location of their meeting set for that day. 21. On February 12, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER met with Businessperson A in defendant ENGLANDER's car in Downtown Los Angeles. Once Businessperson A entered defendant car, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A to ?hold on,? then turned up the car stereo to a very loud volume. Defendant ENGLANDER drove in circles around the block and did not go to any specific location. During this time, defendant ENGLANDER and Businessperson A discussed the Federal Investigation and their FBI interviews. Among other things: a. Defendant ENGLANDER stated he did not ?want to be out there in public? for their discussion. b. Defendant ENGLANDER repeatedly told Businessperson A to tell the FBI that he and Businessperson A did not have a conversation about their FBI interviews. Specifically, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A that the FBI ?asked if you and I ever talked at all about the meeting with them. We never had a conversation.? Defendant ENGLANDER further told Businessperson A how to respond to questions regarding the topic of the two meeting to discuss the FBI interviews: ?We never did, never did. . . . You don?t mention it at all." DEFT. INITIAMM 10 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 25 of 27 Page ID #:135 c. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A what questions the FBI would ask Businessperson A and how to answer them. Specifically, defendant ENGLANDER stated, the FBI was going to ?ask ?Did I ever contact you about how much we needed to reimbursement Just say, say, don?t remember. We were trying to get together for a long time and he?s busy and I'm busy, blah, blah.?? d. Defendant ENGLANDER repeatedly told Businessperson A how to respond to FBI questions about the use of escorts during the June 2017 Las Vegas trip.' Specifically, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A to falsely tell the FBI: ?if they check your phone records and called, just go, called just to see how much money.? Say, was so drunk I don?t remember calling.? . . . . Dr, don't remember, maybe I dialed the wrong number, I don?t know, I don't remember.? . . . . No, just say, don?t remember.'" e. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A not to disclose their use of Confide. Specifically, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A: ?No, no, we never had discussions. Nothing ever about Confide." f. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A not to disclose their conversation at the fundraiser. Specifically, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A to say Businessperson A ?shook my hand and said hello. That was it." g. Defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A that, if the FBI had checked their phone records regarding escort services during the June 2017 Las Vegas trip, to falsely tell the FBI: I didn?t hire anybody.'? I h. At the conclusion of the conversation, defendant ENGLANDER agreed to introduce Businessperson A to defendant DEFT. 11 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 26 of 27 Page ID #:136 builder ?friend,? and defendant ENGLANDER agreed to tour Businessperson A?s showroom. 22. On or about April 2, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER reported $1,202 worth of gifts/benefits on his Form 700 for the year 201?, but did not report, among other things, the $15,000 cash he received from Businessperson A as a gift or benefit. 23. On November 20, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER met with Businessperson A. During this meeting, they discussed recent FBI actions regarding the Federal Investigation. This discussion included: a. When Businessperson A referred to ?the cash"?r that Businessperson A had provided to defendant ENGLANDER in the casino restroom in Las Vegas on or about June 1, 2017, defendant ENGLANDER stated, ?I?m not going to say anything" to the FBI about it. b. Defendant ENGLANDEB agreed that Businessperson A should omit that they talked about the content of their FBI interviews during their meeting that day and instead state the discussion was about defendant ENGLANDER's new job. Specifically, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A: ?They're gonna say, ?When was the last time you talked [with defendant Businessperson A responded: tell them the truth, we were eating lunch.? Defendant ENGLANDER then stated: get it, I get it. Just catch up. . . . [A]bout the new job.? 24. On December 31, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER, with defense counsel present, was interviewed by the FBI and USAO regarding the Federal Investigation, including the June 201? Las Vegas trip and interactions with Businessperson A (the ?third interview?). During the third interview, after being advised that lying to the federal DEFT. InITIaIxsff?zjg?j?f 12 Case Document 24 Filed 03/27/20 Page 27 of 27 Page ID #:137 government was a crime, defendant ENGLANDER made the following false Statements: a. When asked whether he received any benefits other than casino chips {which he paid back), dinners, and a hotel room, defendant ENGLANDER falsely responded, ?Not that I recall." In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, Businessperson A provided $10,000 in cash and offered defendant ENGLANDER the services of a female escort or ?massage lady? during the 2017 Las Vegas trip. Moreover, the two had several conversations about the ?massage lady" Businessperson A offered during the 2017 Las Vegas trip. b. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that Businessperson A never provided cash payments to defendant ENGLANDER. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, Businessperson A provided defendant ENGLANDER $10,000 cash in a casino bathroom during the June 2017 Las Vegas trip and $5,000 cash in a casino bathroom at the Palm Springs event for a total of $15,000 in 2017. c. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that he told Businessperson A to ?share everything, be transparent, and share everything? with the FBI. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, he did not provide such instructions and, instead, repeatedly agreed that Businessperson A should omit certain information. d. Defendant ENGLANDER falsely stated that he could not recall if he had ever used Confide at all or, if he had, with whom he had used it. In fact, as defendant ENGLANDER knew, he had Confide registered to him on his phone at the time of the third interview and had recently used Confide to discuss matters with Businessperson A and Lobbyist B. Moreover, on February 12, 2018, defendant ENGLANDER told Businessperson A not to disclose their use of Confide. DEFT. 11111? 12% 13